August 31, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Regional Office is in the process of implementing Phase 2 of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program, requiring a position reporting device, or vessel monitoring system (VMS), to be permanently affixed to a vessel and transmitting at all times. A series of constituent webinars will be held in September 2021 in order to assist the public with preparing for the implementation of this requirement.
When:
Webinars:
- Tuesday, September 7th, 2021, 6:30-7:30 PM, ET
- Thursday, September 16th, 2021, 2:00-3:00 PM, ET
- Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021, 6:30-7:30 PM, ET
- Tuesday, September 28th, 2021, 10:00-11:00 AM, ET
To register for the webinars and access additional meeting information go to: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/southeast-hire-electronic-reporting-program.
Why:
These webinars will provide program participants information about the new VMS requirement for the federally permitted Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish and Coastal Migratory Pelagic for-hire participants. The webinars will include information such as timelines, approved VMS units, and reporting requirements. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
The position reporting requirement is essential for validating the information collected through the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program. The data collected from the VMS units are expected to result in enhanced tracking of recreational catch limits in the Gulf of Mexico; thereby, improving fisheries management.